Some of us trick or treaters like to get all dolled up in bloody gauze and witch hats. Others like to be simple and just settle for putting out a little holiday decor.

How do I prefer to hit the Halloween streets when I am not in the mood to dress up?

Enter in….cool nail art !

Crime Scene prints, bats, gradient glitter, and fun spider webs, all are great patterns to showcase for your festive halloween celebration. Get inspired by these designs and over hundreds of different patterns for all personality types found on sites like Pinterest.

Go Google something you might want to try out on your paws.

Wishing you an awesome and safe Halloween–a night filled with good old-fashion fun!

On November 15th, 2016 the Texas Conference for Women will be held in Austin, Texas. This one-day conference will feature inspirational keynote speakers including the iconic Belgian-born American fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg who is best known for her iconic DVF wrap dress. This timeless wardrobe essential came to symbolize power and independence for an entire generation of women in 1974.

By 1976, she had sold over a million of the dresses and was featured on the cover of Newsweek. This super versatile dress looks perfect on all different body types and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Especially for the fall, this dress looks sophisticated paired with riding boots, pumps, or if you’re feeling stylish…sneakers! Furstenberg literally changed American fashion with her relevant and classic design.

Check out some of the wrap styles I selected from Nordstorm, and pick the one that fits your shape and style!

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There will also be 100 other speakers like international human rights attorney Amal Clooney, World Cup champion and equal pay advocate Abby Wambach, educator Linda Cliatt-Wayman, and Nina Tassler, the highest ranking Latina in network television {CBS}. There are several breakout sessions ranging from personal finance, health and wellness to career advancement offering something for everyone.

Unfortunately tickets are sold out but the call for volunteers is now open! Receive free registration in exchange for your time. Click HERE!

Can you believe that Americans spend an average of $1,700 per year on clothing and accessories alone. Here are some of my cost saving tips as you pursue the mall and shop online!

Simple Ways to Save:

1.)Sell what you don’t wear:Your ROI {return on investment} increases when you put money back in your own pocket after you are finished with your garment. Consider using online or in-store consignment options like Poshmark or The Real Real or host a swap party.

2.) Use coupons: Always search forcoupon codes online {Coupon Closet, Coupon Sherpa, Shooger, and Retail Me Not are my faves} and organize the ones you get in the mail for daily use when you are out and about. Subscribe to your favorite retailers online—especially for basics, to get regular sale information to your inbox. Some of my favorite discount sales sites include: Guilt, Haute Look and Shop it to me.

3.} Read tags:Read the label before you buy. If you purchase a “dry-clean-only silk skirt,” you’ll keep paying for it every time you take it to the cleaners. Stick to machine-washables and save.

4.) Take care of your clothes: Invest in good hangers. Remember that “machine-washable” doesn’t equal “indestructible.” Wash your clothes on the gentle cycle in cool water and even line dry them; they’ll last longer this way. For delicate items or clothes that might shrink, hand wash. Take care of your clothes and you’ll get years of use out of them.

5.) Don’t buy it because it’s on sale: Don’t buy clothes unless you really need them – even if they’re on sale. Thirty percent off isn’t a good deal if you don’t wear it 99 percent of the time.

7.) Proceed with caution at Outlet Malls: Outlet malls do have deals. They also have scams. Some outlet store clothing isn’t store overstock. The pieces can be actually made for the outlet mall, meaning they’re lower quality. And those “75% off!” deals – they’re not actually 75% off. Read the fine print and you’ll see that is the discount on the suggested price, not the actual retail price. It’s more a marketing gimmick than a deal.

8.) Stick to simple garments—spend less of trendy stuff: Trendy clothes cost more and have a shorter shelf life. You could spend hundreds trying to keep up with the fashion magazines, only to realize you no longer adore those flared capris {ugh– hate those} six months later.

9.) Shop discount stores: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross are fabulous resources to find name brands if you are willing to dig for them. These stores have overstock items that are often first quality at lower prices.

10.) Borrow what you only need once: If you only need to wear something once, borrow it from a friend or family member. You’ll save 100 % and won’t have a useless dress or suit filling up space in your closet. OR… check out Rent the Runway for amazing options to rent and send back! However, don’t rent what you’ll wear more than once over time.Tuxedo rentals, for example, can cost $85 to $100 on average. Rent three tuxedos and you could spend $300. Buy from a discount store or resale site like Craigslist, and you could spend much less and own the tux outright.

11.) Don’t skim on a swimsuit: When it comes to swimsuit shopping, it doesn’t pay to buy cheap knock-offs. A well-designed swimsuit will cost more upfront, but can last years.

12.) Shop the men’s and kids’ section: Women’s clothing is often priced higher than men’s and kids’ clothing. If you’re a woman looking for something universal, like a T-shirt or hoodie, check the racks in the men’s and kids’ sections first.

13.) Treat clothes shopping like grocery shopping: Make a List! I won’t go to the grocery store without making a list first, but I’ll blindly charge into the mall credit card in hand. That is the wrong way to go about it. The next time you shop for clothes, make a list of what you actually need and stick to it. Buy what you need—not what you want.

14.) Buy clothes that fit now:Only buy something if you can wear it today. Buying something a few sizes too small because you think you’ll lose weight later is a gamble. Even if you do, you may realize you don’t like the way that shirt looks on you are perhaps it isn’t suitable for your body type. Either way, you’ve wasted money.

15.) Shop out of season: Look for more pricey “essentials” at the end of the season or pre-season. Often times the best deals are found in those windows of time.

Hope these shopping tips help you reduce your overwhelm and the amount that comes out of your pocket!! What are your cost saving strategies? Do tell…

Cooler weather is finally here–thank you God! Freaking out because you’re not prepared?

Well don’t.

Today we’ll cover the trendy 5 essentials for fall to protect you from the chill in the air. There are many different styles, colors, and shapes for each piece offered below so select those that fit your body type and personality!

1.) Poncho

This outerwear piece is a fashionable replacement for a traditional jacket or sweater if the weather allows. I adore the ones made with wool or cashmere material which keep your body warm and cozy.

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2.) Plaid Shirt

Plaids are back in action this season and look adorable partnered with a fur vest, topped with a blazer or poncho, or layered with a basic tee and sweater.

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3.) Flared Jeans

These jeans were retro and hip for the spring but can also be taken into the fall/winter months. A darker wash is the best for every body type and can be accessorized with a belt and finished off with pumps or ever ballet flats. Try high waisted styles if you dare.

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4.) Tall Riding Boots

I can hardly wait to pull out my tall riding boots with a pair of skinny jeans and a tunic style denim top. Black or brown can work but brown tends to be more versatile. Get crazy and partner these boots with white jeans to winterize that key essential from spring.

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5.) Long Sleeve Tee

Like I mentioned in last week’s post {Four Ways to Style a Basic Tee}, this is such an easy and versatile essential for all year around. It can be easily dressed up or down. Make sure you focus on the neckline fits you best as you get creative on styling this key wardrobe ingredient.

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I hope this summary of the 5 Essentials for Fall will help you take inventory and be smarter with your shopping habits.

What are your favorite places to buy fall clothes and your go-to pieces in this chilly weather? Share the love.

Fall is officially here so it’s time to get my creative juices flowing again and pull together some unexpected combinations with all my seasonal favorites that have been hiding in my closet since last year.

With every first time client, I like to start with something as simple as a basic tee {long or short sleeved} partnered with some other key ingredients: riding boots, blazer, cardigan, scarf, and a fun pair of pumps.

Here are four ways to stay current and classy yet accented with a few seasonal trends {like a button front skirt, skinny scarf, velvet, and tassel earrings} by using a basic tee.

These new asymmetrical jeans are very “in” right now for fall fashion. Keep this outfit preppy and casual topped with a blazer and statement necklace as you tootle around town! Leopard print is all the rage as well.

Hold the fort.. velvet is coming back. Styling this adorable slip style dress with a basic tee underneath is the perfect solution to keep your shoulders from getting a chill. This boho ensemble looks great with a pair of peep toe booties and accessorized with a fedora hat.

Now who doesn’t love wearing fashionable track pants? Mind you–I DID NOT SAY YOGA PANTS. This is such a comfortable and fuss free outfit for dinner or even casual Friday at the office. These trendy metallic loafers and tassel earrings take this whole look to the next level.